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Eye On Boise archive for March 2012

MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

In the background are lobbyists Jason Kreizenbeck and Skip Smyser, who represent Corrections Corp. of America, as legislative budget writers review the corrections budget early Monday morning. (Betsy Russell)

Big budgets draw high-powered scrutiny...

As the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee gathered for its early-morning work session today on two big budgets - public schools and corrections - the usual crew of committee members, staffers and reporters were joined by two lobbyists, Skip Smyser and Jason Kreizenbeck, who represent Corrections Corp.…

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FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2012

From left, Betsy Russell, Jim Weatherby, Melissa Davlin and host Greg Hahn on the set of "Idaho Reports" on Friday, where they discussed the legislative developments of the week. (Idaho Public Television / Kevin Rank)

The week that was...

On tonight's "Idaho Reports," I join Jim Weatherby, Melissa Davlin and host Greg Hahn to discuss the legislative developments of the week, from contraception and abortion to tax cuts and elections. The program also includes Hahn's interview with retiring Reps. Dennis Lake, R-Blackfoot, and Wendy…

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House adjourns 'til Mon., GOP heads into caucus 

The House has adjourned until Monday; House Republicans headed into a closed-door caucus for half an hour. Afterward, House Majority Caucus Chairman Ken Roberts, R-Donnelly, said the discussion focused mostly on the public school budget, which will be set in JFAC on Monday. Not taken…

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Senate welcomes newest member...

The Senate has welcomed it's newest member, Sen. Jim Rice, R-Caldwell, this morning with applause. Rice was appointed by Gov. Butch Otter late yesterday to complete the term of former Sen. John McGee, R-Caldwell, who resigned last week amid allegations of sexual harassment of a…

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Boise Fire Chief Dennis Doan tells the Senate State Affairs Committee on Friday that his city is supportive of legislation to recognize firefighters' disease and cancer risk as job-related; more than 30 states' workers compensation laws now include that presumption, but Idaho's doesn't. (Betsy Russell)

Senators hear testimony on firefighter risk bill

The Senate State Affairs Committee has heard stirring testimony this morning on SB 1336, proposed by the Professional Firefighters of Idaho and co-sponsored by committee Chairman Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa, and Rep. Cliff Bayer, R-Boise, to have Idaho join the more than 30 states whose…

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ITD budget set; public schools up Monday...

In a series of unanimous votes, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee has set a budget for the Idaho Transportation Department for next year that's down 5.5 percent in total funds from this year, mainly due to a 13.9 percent drop in federal funds; those funds were…

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Sen. Darrington won't seek re-election

Sen. Denton Darrington, R-Declo, who in his 30th year in the Senate is the longest-serving senator in Idaho history, has announced that he won't seek re-election. "I would like to thank my constituents who have so generously supported me in the State Senate," Darrington said…

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2012



Of veterans, hunter ed and a double entendre... 

The House Resources Committee had a lengthy hearing this afternoon on legislation to exempt members of the military and veterans from state hunter-ed requirements to get a hunting license. Backers included several military members, along with Reps. Marv Hagedorn, R-Meridian, and Lynn Luker, R-Boise, the…

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How they voted...

In the 49-20 House vote in favor of HB 563, the $35.7 million tax-cut bill for top earners, eight House Republicans joined all but one House Democrat in opposing the bill; Democrat Elfreda Higgins of Garden City missed the vote. The eight Republicans were Reps.…

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House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, argues in favor of a $35.7 million tax cut for top earners; it passed the House Thursday on a 49-20 vote. (Betsy Russell)

House passes tax cut, 49-20 

House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, in his closing debate on the tax-cut bill, HB 563, said, "This is probably the best economic development bill you're going to look at this year, guys." The bill then passed on a 49-20 vote; it now moves to…

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Eye On Boise

News, happenings and more from the Idaho Legislature and the state capital.



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